HC Deb 01 February 1999 vol 324 cc447-8W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the crew number of the Astute Class of submarines. [66165]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The first 3 Astute Class submarines, out of a planned class of 5, are being designed and built under a Prime Contract awarded to GEC-Marconi in March 1997 with delivery expected in the middle of the next decade. Design work continues and the normal sea going complement is currently expected to be 98, although the submarine should be capable of taking up to 109 personnel to sea when required.